TRUE BLUE Swimming

Having Fun!

Dip your toe in the water
Float around on your noodle… 
Dive into the middle of the lake… 
Enjoy the clear waters of Torch Lake!

Swimming Safely!

Almost every year someone drowns in Torch Lake.

Prevent drowning:

• Swim with a buddy
• Supervise children
• Know the depth before you dive

Respect Cold Water

You lose body temperature faster in cold water.

Prevent hypothermia:

• Check the water temperature.
• Use caution from September – May.
  Torch Lake is COLD: 40-60° F.

Watch the Sky

Storms move in quickly on Torch Lake.

Prevent death/injury:

When you see lightning, get out of the water.

Protect Your Feet

The bottom of Torch Lake is rocky.
The rocks may have sharp zebra mussels, an invasive species.

Prevent injury:

• Wear water shoes- So you won’t hurt or cut your feet.

Limit Swimmer’s Itch

Swimmer’s Itch can cause pumps that itch a lot!

In Torch Lake, Swimmer’s itch occurs in late May or early June. It can persist through summer.

Prevent the Itch:

Before you swim:

• Create a waterproof barrier on your skin.
  Apply sunscreen, baby oil, coconut oil or other lotion,
  then apply swimmer’s itch cream before swimming.

Where to swim:

• Swim offshore in deeper water.
• Do not swim if winds are onshore.

After you swim:

• Rub briskly with a rough towel when you get out of the water.
• Don’t sit around in your wet swimsuit.
• Shower immediately when you get out of the water.
• Scrub with brown soap (Fels Naphtha) and a rough wash cloth.

Follow the Law

Torch Lake is a public inland lake- shared by all of us.

• The shore has public access sites,
  but most of the shore is privately owned.
• Waterfront owners own the bottomlands.
• Stay within public access boundaries.
• Pack out your trash AND pet waste.
• Leash your dog.

Best Swimming Beaches on Torch Lake

These Public Beaches and bathrooms are maintained by local townships.  These beaches have toilet facilities.

• Follow posted rules.

Free Printables

Swimming Beaches Map (.pdf)

Public Access Sites Map (.pdf)

Show
You Care

We love when you visit Torch Lake.
Visit responsibly and sustainably.